Kapiolani
Community College Horizons 2001
Kapiolani
Community College
Horizons 2001
June 20, 1856
Dear Diary,
Yesterday I married Alexander Liholiho, my best friend. It was such a beautiful
day, even the weather cooperated. Much to my delight, the day was declared a
public holiday. There were so many people along the streets on the way to the
church, waiting to see the procession of carriages pass by. I have to admit
I was nervous, but then when I saw Alexander looking so handsome in his Windsor
suit, I was so excited. We have known each other for so long that I could tell
that he was nervous too, even though he kept his royal composure.
Kawaiaha‘o Church was filled with guests and so many more were outside.
I was a little surprised that no one commented on the Anglican service Maybe
they were commenting, just not to Alexander or to me.
Later in the evening we attended the reception. We invited 500 guests, and it
looked as though they all came, maybe with a friend or two. I believe that everyone
had a great time. We danced until very late. The only troubling time of the
night was when Monsieur Perrin kept asking me to dance. He just did not want
to take “no” for an answer.
The evening ended with beautiful fireworks. We all stood outside and marveled
at the glorious sight. I enjoyed the entire day and will never forget the loving
and supportive comments I received from our friends and family. I hope that
the people of Hawai’i will accept me as their Queen, considering that
only a few weeks ago, even my own cousin was questioning whether I was worthy.
A Hui Hou,
Emma
August 19, 1857
Dear Diary,
Today my father came to visit. As I mentioned in days prior, I have been feeling
nauseated. I wasn’t sure if maybe I had some sort of stomach flu; however,
my father confirmed that I am with child. I haven’t told anybody yet.
I asked my father not to tell mother yet, as I’d like Alexander to be
the first to know. I almost feel better, just knowing that it is a good kind
of sickness. It is so hard to believe that a life has started inside of me.
I have many engagements this month, so I must be at my best.
Alexander’s asthma has been bothering him again, so we will spend next
week in Nu‘uanu at Hanaiakamalama. I look forward to the relaxation. I
can’t wait to walk down to the stream and sit under the hau tree. I hope
that the Lokilani is still in bloom. I love the fragrance that blows in with
the breeze. Alexander should be home shortly. I must prepare to give him the
wonderful news. 
A Hui Hou,
Emma
March 18, 1858
Dear Diary,
There is no doubt in people’s minds that we are expecting a child. I’m
getting bigger every day. The people seem very excited to welcome the heir to
the throne. But no more excited than Alexander and I. We spent all day yesterday
discussing the nursery. Alexander has commissioned the cradle, and all he will
tell me is that Wilhelm Fischer is making it. I am excited to see it, as he
is a wonderful craftsman.
I received a letter from Queen Victoria today. She is so happy about our news
and has graciously agreed to be the godmother to our child. She has become such
a dear friend and confidant. I long to see her again and think of her often.
I only wish she could come for a visit. I would take her to Nu‘uanu and
maybe we could even take a trip to Mau‘i. She would love Hawai‘i
in all of its beauty.
My friend Elizabeth Pratt stopped by this morning and stayed for tea. It was
wonderful to see her. She shared with me some of the plans that the town in
making in preparation for the royal birth. I am amazed at the outpouring of
excitement displayed by those around me. All of their hopes are on this child.
Oh, Lord, I pray that this child is a boy!
A Hui Hou.
Emma
June 13, 1858
Dear Diary,
Little Albert is almost four weeks old. Today I spent almost one hour just staring
at him while he slept. O beautiful child from my womb, what will you look like
as a young man? Will you be kind and gentle? Or will you be a stern leader?
Whom will you take as your wife? Oh I must stop myself from thinking too far
ahead. I am enjoying every moment with my son. He is so beautiful and healthy
looking, I must add. Today there was a special event at the Palace. A group
of foreign children and their parents came to visit the young prince. I was
too weak to go downstairs to greet them, but I watched from the window as they
entered the Palace grounds. Such a proud parade of children, and so finely dressed.
The girls, all in white, were pushing a beautiful baby carriage adorned with
flowers. My nursemaid told me later that they were led to the reception room
where the beautiful koa cradle was placed in the middle of the room. My nursemaid
came in with Prince Albert and placed him in the cradle. She told me everyone
moved in for a closer look at him. I wish I could have greeted the children,
but getting down the stairs is still difficult for me. Alexander did give a
short speech in honor of the guests.
I had a dream last night that I was riding my horse. How I long to be back out
riding with Prince Lot and Princess Victoria. I have missed that the most. My
father says that maybe by the end of the summer I’ll be well enough to
ride. Until then I will just enjoy my maternal duties.
A Hui Hou,
Emma
July 17, 1860
Dear Diary.
Today was a splendid day. The cornerstone was laid for the permanent location
of the hospital. It was a nice celebration. Alexander gave the most eloquent
speech I’ve ever heard from him. The crowd was so quiet. The contractors
estimate the completion date to be sometime in November. Alexander and I are
so happy to finally see our longtime dream fulfilled. All of those months of
going door to door to collecting funds for the construction were not in vain.
There are so many supporters. However, very few Hawaiians came today, I noticed.
I’m sure that it is because we had to reschedule on such short notice.
A Hui Hou,
Emma
October 21, 1862
Dear Diary,
Today is bittersweet. Bishop Staley baptized me in the Anglican faith. It should
have been Albert. Today was supposed to be in his honor. My cheeks are stained
with tears for my baby son. It has almost been two months since my son died.
How is a mother supposed to prepare herself for such a tragic event. Children
are supposed to bury their parents; it should not have been this way. My heart
is empty and my soul cries out to God. Bishop Staley has been very close to
me these past ten days since his arrival.
My emotions are so confusing. I am happy that the Anglican Church is finally
being planted here in Hawai’i. I feel happy for my people. Now I can share
my faith with them. However, my happiness is clouded with deep sorrow.
My dear Lord, please watch over my only son. Please tell him I miss him and
how I love him so.
A Hui Hou,
Kaleleokalani
February 4, 1864
Dear Diary.
Yesterday we buried my beloved husband and closest friend. It has been nearly
sixty days since his sudden passing. I am still in disbelief. I am exhausted,
having spent every day in the throne room praying over his coffin. I arrived
at Hanaiakamalama this morning. I couldn’t bear to spend one more moment
in the Palace where every room brings memories flooding back into my mind. I
have already asked the men in the house to move my bedroom furniture into the
dining room. I know they must think I’m crazy; I couldn’t bear to
tell them my reasons. From the dining room I can hear the kitchen and the servants
in their quarters, and the laughing and singing gives me comfort.
I am twenty seven, and my child and husband have died. I am desolate altogether,
with nothing left but the hope of a meeting in the hereafter. I must write to
Queen Victoria and tell her of my unhappy plight. Maybe I should plan a trip
to visit London. It might do me good to leave Hawai’i for awhile. I shall
consult with my ladies in waiting.
Lot wrote me a letter. He wants to meet with me when I return to the Palace.
I know that he is concerned for my well-being. He has asked me to stay at the
Palace. It is just too difficult for me to stay there all day. I expect to see
my husband walk into a room and occasionally I hear him talking. I am so lonely.
A Hui Hou,
Kaleleonalani
Author’s Note:
When Queen Emma signs her diary as “Kaleleokalani,” she is using
the name given her by her husband after the death of her son. The name means
“the flight of the heavenly chief.” One year later, when her husband,
King Kamehameha IV died, she pluralized the name and made it “Kaleleonalani,”
the flight of the heavenly chiefs.
King Kamehameha IV and Queen Emma are well remembered for their
legacies to the people of Hawai‘i. One of them is the establishment of
the Episcopal Church. During their visits to London, they became interested
in the Church of England, and in 1860, the King asked Queen Victoria to approve
the establishment of the Church here. Bishop Thomas Staley was sent in 1861.
On October 12, 1862, the first service of the Reformed Catholic Church was held
in Hawaiian in a small chapel.
The king gifted land in Queen Emma Square for the church; for St. Andrew’s
Priory, a school for girls established by Queen Emma; and Queen’s Hospital
for the Hawaiian people. Because the treasury was empty, the king and the queen
personally raised $13,530 to build a hospital by going door to door to solicit
contributions. In 1859 an 18-bed hospital was opened, and within a year, a 124-bed
hospital was built on the current Queens Medical Center site. Its name honors
Queen Emma.
After the king’s death, Queen Emma and Queen Victora raised $30,000 in
England to build the cathedral. Construction began in 1866, and the cornerstone
was laid on March 5, 1867. King Kamehameha IV, who wanted the cathedral built
in the style of the Church of England, never got to see it, for he died on the
Feast of St. Andrew, November 28, 1863.
Prince Lot, who became King Kamehameha V, named the cathedral St. Andrew’s.The
royal couple are remembered each November 28 in the Feast of the Holy Sovereigns.
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